March 2009 - AGM plus short video on ships in rough seas by Tony Richardson and a presentation of ships seen on a recent cruise on the Grand Princess by Chris Bancroft. Malcom Golder stood down as treasurer and was presented a painting of the coaster Vectis Isle.

The election of officers:
Chairman -   Chris Bancroft
Vice-chairman -  David Williams
Secretary -   Tony Westmore
Treasurer -   Brian Ash
Visit Secretary -  John Cheverton
Newsletter Editor -  John Cheverton
Auditors -   John Cheverton & Ken Lowe
Committee -  Keith Walker,  Phil Holmes and Peter Clark (guest members'  representative)

The April 23rd meeting was the members night and several people contributed giving talk/presentations on : The trials of the old Oriana, Greek Ferries, old scenes on the Suez Canal and ships on the river Scheldt.

The June 25th was the annual boat trip to see shipping in the Solent and Southampton. Many ships were seen including the Queen Mary 2, Norwegian Jade and Crown Princess.

It was decided by the members present at the May meeting to opt to move to the Riverside Centre, Newport Quay as from the September meeting on the 24th @ 7pm. The meeting will be in the Hunnyhill Room where the speaker for the night is Allan Ryszaka-Onions from the Southampton Branch who will give a Powerpoint presentation on Polish Shipping.

Dear Member,

First of all I would like to say what a fabulous evening that was had by all at Dick & Hillary`s last Thursday. It was pleasing to see such a good turn out for the celebration of Dick`s 50th Year as a member of the WSS and I know that there were thanks made on the evening, but I would like to thank Dick and Hillary once again on behalf of all members and spouses that were there for their most wonderful hospitality.

As there is expected to be 22 invited visitors it is essential that we at least match that number. Naturally wives and partners are cordially welcome. Unfortunately as the Museum is unable to hire us the Room for the afternoon, everybody will have to pay the £2 entrance fee, but it is for a good cause.

Could you please let me know in response to this communication, even if you have already told me of your intentions , so that I can get an overall number to advise the Museum for the catering of the Buffet. So, please come along if you can and make this an Event to enjoy and remember and if it is a success then I am sure that our visitors will want to reciprocate such an Event next year and possibly in years to come

I look forward to your reply,

Regards

Chris Bancroft

There were 41 present at the IOW Branch Social Day on Sat 29th August including 19 from the South Coast Branch and the Southampton Branch for what turned out to be a most enjoyable day. The staff at the Classic Boat Museum, East Cowes made us most welcome and providing us with an excellent Buffet. The Chairman opened the event at 1230 welcoming everyone and outlying the afternoons programme which consisted of the Buffet at 1pm followed by a Quiz at 2pm with Brian Ash as the Question Master. That went down well! That was followed by afternoon Tea & Cake and a raffle with prizes being donated by members. The Event was rounded off with a Video Presentation from Tony Richardson followed by a Digital Presentation of 2008 Ships by the Chairman. All in all, I feel that the Social Day was a great success and lets hope that it will be reciprocated by the other branches in the future. I would personally like to thank everyone who attended.

Chris Bancroft

At the October meeting David Williams gave an illustrated talk on the city of Shanghai and naval ships in action in WW2.

On Nov 26th there was a video presentation about shipping in Netherlands/Belgium and the QE2 and QM2.

The December meeting was the members night with a buffet.

January meeting saw a good attendance for the annual photographic exhibition. A short illustrated talk was given on the workings of digital cameras.

At the February meeting Peter Alexander gave a power point presentation about the history of HM Waterguard.

The AGM was held at the March meeting which followed by a presentation by Chris Bancroft showing his trip to the Netherlands last year.

It is with great regret that we record the death of Eric Brett, one of the Branch’s longest serving members. He joined the Branch in 1966, and remained a loyal and constant member until ill-health forced him to give up his membership about two years ago. Eric always had a smile on his face and thoroughly enjoyed the companionship of fellow members - he especially enjoyed the ship visits, which were more easily to arrange in past years. A life long resident of Yaverland, he was famed for the hedge in the shape of the old Queen Mary which he painstakingly maintained in his garden.

www.isleofwightwss.org.uk iowwss iow wss world ship society isle of wight branch newport isle of wight meeting place for the isle of wight branch of the world ship society island ship club shipping club for ship enthusiasts ship spotters ship spotting ship club isle of wight shipping club isle of wight ship society ship societies isle of wight solent ship club solent shipping club solent ship societies world ship society watching ships from the isle of wight www.isleofwightwss.org.uk where to watch ships how to watch ships interested in ships shipping organisation located isle of wight location south coast solent ship club organisation information about ship clubs society website members ship club membership how to join the isle of wight ship club contact fellow shipping enthusiasts with an interest in maritime and nautical matters old books postcards ship photography club taking photos photographs of shipping in the solent southampton and portsmouth taking pictures of cruise ships and liners historic and modern day vessels maritime library available to members full program programme of events slide shows video shows social club meeting gathering near the sea to watch the ships in the solent library reference resource available to members who join publications available at reduced price classic liners and passenger vessels marine news journal of the world ship society passenger ship society south coast ship society future events an international society whose aim is to stimulate and maintain interest in ships and shipping throughout the world worldwide www.isleofwightwss.org.uk isle of wight clubs and societies photographing ships shipping movements southampton portsmouth and the solent maritime information

The election of officers:
Chairman -   Chris Bancroft
Vice-chairman -  position not filled
Secretary -   Tony Westmore
Treasurer -   Brian Ash
Visit Secretary -  John Cheverton
Newsletter Editor -  John Cheverton
Auditors -   John Cheverton & Ken Lowe
Committee -  Keith Walker (guest members'  representative),  Phil Holmes and Paul Letbe

There were over 40 people on the June 2010 boat trip to Portsmouth, passing the Norwegian Epic on the way.

At the May 2010 meeting there was a video presentation of old Pathe News clips and old footage taken by since departed Phil Fricker. The evening finished with old video clips of New York Harbour made available by David Williams.

There was a good turnout to Dave Williams open house meeting in Newport on the 22nd July. I’m sure all the attendees would like to give their thanks for the hospitality and excellent food provided by Jane and David Williams.

2010 Programme updated: Monday, August 30, 2010
Sept 23rd:  ‘Mal de Mer’. Illustrated talk by Richard de Kerbrech.
Oct 28th:   Illustrated talk by David Williams.  
Nov 25th: Video presentation by Tony Richardson.
Dec16th: Members Evening with Christmas Buffet. Ad-hoc items of interest by branch members.